How do I configure SVXLINK / Echolink Node

The SVXLINK Server

Although, the node is actually quiet easy to configure by using the included template, I would like to point out a few things that may arise during the first start up.

  • I am using the UBUNTU system since this is the one I am most familiar. By no means am I a LINUX expert but have to admit that I have done some programming under Windows®. The most confusing part in an LINUX installation is probably that a newbee does have no clue where what is located at. The second most confusing is probably how to handle the LINUX security barrier.
  • SVXLINK creates a folder '/etc/svxlink.d' with some default configuration parameter. The most important directory folder is the /etc  and /etc/svxlink.d folder. This folder contains almost all configuration files for the LINUX system and the svxlink configuration files. The svxlink.conf is toward the end of the listing and not inside a folder.
  • Also, for newbee somewhat confusing could be the way one gets root or superuser privileges. With the X-11 desktop is a application called "GEDIT" included. If you start this application through a desktop menu item, you will soon find out that you can not save any changes,  to files not owned by the logged on user. You started the Editor as unprivileged user for those files. In my opinion somewhat useless, however it was done this way in the course of security. The linux operating system allows you to change ownership of files and other security settings, however this for the more advanced user.
  • If you need to edit a file and save it later with modified parameter, you'll have to first open a shell or Terminal Window. On the command prompt type 'sudo gedit' and see what happens. During the install of the LINUX operating system you have entered a password for the Super User ("you"). Now it is time to enter this password when asked. When started in this way the Editor has Superuser rights and modified configuration files can be overwritten. Use with Caution!
  • The first file to edit is the svxlink.conf file.  The file should need only a few changes.
  • Change -                                          CALLSIGN=YOURCALL
  • I prefer a longer Identification        SHORT_IDENT_INTERVAL=0
  •                                                           LONG_IDENT_INTERVAL =720    # or whatever you like in minutes
  • You can disable roger beeps        RGR_SOUND=-1
  • in the [macro] section add or modify the default stuff to your needs.
  • I like to include a comment line like this:   [Macros]
  •                                                                        # My macro node  WA6YXZ
  •                                                                        1=EchoLink:123456#   
  •                                                                        
  •                                                                       #Above is accessed through DTMF D1#
  •                                                                        ..............
  •                                                                        ............... following entries
  • The remaining parameter are system specific

The EchoLink Module configuration

  • The first few lines should work with default parameter
  • SERVER=yourarea.echolink.org or (servers.echolink.org)
  • CALLSIGN=YOUR_NODE_CALL #registered with the Echo-Link system
  • PASSWORD=Your_Echolink_Password
  • SYSOPNAME=Whatever you want to show
  • LOCATION=[Svx] Mytown In MyState ????
  • MAX_QSO=3 ---for 3 maximum conversation
  • MAX_CONNECTION=4 ----in general one more as MAX_QSO to keep one more for reject information
  • LINK_IDLE_TIMEOUT=1800 -- for 30 Minute Idle timeout, disconnects from other node after 30 Min. no activity.
  • DESCRIPTION="What you put here will show to the connecting station"
  • [LocationInfo]
  • #APRS_SERVER_LIST=
  • STATUS_SERVER_LIST=aprs.echolink.org:5199
  • LAT_POSITION=Your Latitude
  • LON_POSITION=Your Longitude
  • FREQUENCY=Your operating frequency
  • TX_POWER=3
  • #PATH=
  • #BEACON_INTERVAL=
  • and so on

After you have modified the Default value to your specific setup your Echo-SVXLINK should be operational.  Also, every time you have modified the configuration file(s) for SVXLINK, you'll have to restart SVXLINK for those changes to take effect. If you run SVXLINK as DAEMON and no start script was used, bad luck, you'll have to reboot the system. If you run SVXLINK within a shell, you can use CRTL-C (^C) to stop svxlink. If you get an Segmentation fault after stopping and restarting SVXLINK, try to close the shell by typing "exit" first and reopen a shell after it was closed and try again. If everything fails just reboot the system. There may be some tweaks necessary for the audio.

Happy SVXLINKing.
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